Central wrestling coaches resign

Two Greeley Central wrestling coaches resigned Tuesday less than two months after a June 28 altercation with a former student-athlete.

Head wrestling coach Joseph “Joe” Banas and his assistant Arnold “Arnie” Martinez stepped down for personal reasons, according to Greeley Central athletic director John Bettolo.

Banas was unavailable for comment and Martinez declined comment regarding their resignations. Banas will remain the school’s physical education teacher.

The Greeley police department investigated Banas, 38, for allegedly assaulting Michael Moore at the residence of Central assistant wrestling coach Jason Young. Moore, now 18, suffered cuts and bruises to his face and body and sustained a blood clot in his eye. He was a minor when the incident occurred.

Moore’s friend, Clinton Milroy, a 16-year-old Greeley West student, stated in police reports that he was struck by Martinez during the alleged fight between Banas and Moore.

Banas has not been criminally charged, but is under investigation by District 6 officials.

Recommended Stories For You

Bettolo, who is in his first year as Central’s athletic director, would not confirm nor deny whether the incident was a factor in Banas’ resignation.

“I can’t answer for Joe,” Bettolo said. “The reasons he gave were personal, and that’s all that I know.”

District 6 superintendent Tony Pariso said the district has yet to take any action.

“Our position is that we expect appropriate behavior from our staff and our students at all times,” Pariso

said. “We make that very, very clear to our employees and our students.”

District 6 officials are leaving the investigation open in the event that criminal charges result from the alleged altercation with Moore, Pariso said.

Pariso said he has not spoken directly to Banas.

“I know (Greeley Central’s) principal and athletic director and human resources director have spoken to him,” Pariso said. “He understands the seriousness of the situation. He’s very much aware of the standards we want our students, teachers, athletes and employees to uphold.”

This spring, Banas coached the Wildcats to a sixth-place finish at the Class 4A state meet. It was the school’s best mark in 50 years.